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The New G.I. Bill: A Primer

THE new G.I. Bill kicks in on Aug. 1, 2009, and will offer wide-ranging education benefits to veterans and active members of the armed forces. It also provides benefits to those in the National Guard and Reserve, who account for more than half the veterans returning from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and were shortchanged under the old bill.

WHO’S ELIGIBLE?

Those who have served at least 90 days of continuous active duty since Sept. 11, 2001, or at least 30 days and were discharged with a service-connected disability.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

TUITION All benefits are prorated based on length of service. People who have served three years or were disabled are entitled to 100 percent tuition at a public two- or four-year institution; that includes vocational programs, but at degree-granting institutions only. Those who have served less than six months receive the minimum benefit — 40 percent of tuition. At private institutions, tuition and fees are covered up to the cost of the most expensive in-state public university.

HOUSING Veterans are entitled to a monthly stipend, depending on a state’s cost of living. Students taking online or distance-learning courses are excluded.

If you’ve served six years and re-enlist for another four, benefits can be transferred to a spouse, and after 10 years of service to a child.

WHAT’S THE TIMETABLE?

Benefits cover four academic years and expire 15 years from date of discharge.

AND THE OLD G.I. BILL?

Between the original G.I. Bill of Rights and the new one is the Montgomery G.I. Bill, which covers those serving before 9/11. But any vet who paid the $1,200 sign-up fee on enlisting can opt for its benefits (the new bill has no fee). Veterans groups are encouraging recruits to keep options open and pay the fee: benefits run up to $1,321 a month, paid directly to the student (unlike the new bill, which mandates payment to the college). That means the money can be applied to any program, including a technical school. And in parts of the country with low rent and tuition, the old bill may be a better deal.